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Nutritional practices of elite athletes. Practical recommendations
C D Economos1, S S Bortz, M E Nelson
1USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts.
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Elite athletes need optimal nutrition for peak performance. This review highlights that increasing carbohydrate intake and reducing fat intake, alongside adequate calorie and micronutrient consumption, are key for athletic success.
Area of Science:
- Sports Nutrition
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Elite athletes' demanding schedules can compromise nutritional intake and performance.
- Limited data exists on elite athletes' adherence to nutritional recommendations.
- Understanding elite athletes' dietary habits is crucial for optimizing performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review current dietary intake studies on elite athletes.
- To assess whether elite athletes meet recommended nutritional guidelines.
- To identify key nutritional strategies for enhancing athletic performance.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 22 recent dietary intake studies.
- Inclusion of data from 50 distinct groups of elite athletes.
- Analysis of food records ranging from 3 to 22 days.
Main Results:
- Recommended energy intake: >50 kcal/kg/day (males), 45-50 kcal/kg/day (females) for training >90 min/day.
- Carbohydrate intake should constitute 70% of total calories; fat intake should be reduced.
- Adequate calorie intake negates the need for protein supplementation; focus on micronutrients and hydration.
Conclusions:
- Elite athletes should prioritize a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates and essential micronutrients.
- Monitoring body weight and fluid intake is vital for athletes.
- Adherence to general healthy eating guidelines is paramount for elite athletic performance.